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Need a simple 'How to Calculate net W/C' sticky

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Once more I feel that a sticky thread on this topic is critical (I'm tried of rewriting threads on this subject) since the MOST import thing we do is water changes but time after time, people are totally confused on this subject when more than a single W/C is needed!

For a post I made today, I offered a simple three stage W/C procedure and how much new water this would produce - too many people do not understand this very simple concept (the effect of separate W/C on the net clean water added and also the issue of pH drift and how to figure these things out.) I would think that such a post would be useful ...

Knowledge is fun(damental)

A 75 gal with eight Discus, fake plants, and a lot of wood also with sand substrate. Clean up crew is down to just two Sterba's Corys. Filters: continuous new water flow; canister w/UV, in-tank algae scrubber!! Finally, junked the nitrate removal unit from hell.

I have a terrible truth for you Cermet....

I offered a simple three stage W/C procedure and how much new water this would produce - too many people do not understand this very simple concept

No matter how clearly it could possibly ever be put ... A sticky isn't going to improve anyones grasp of math. That issue is on their end.

Gas mileage isn't everythingOIIIIIIIOLack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.Why pretend there are no stupid questions? Actually, There are many stupid questions: "Should I drink this bleach?" Is just one example.
Having said that, Just because it's a stupid question doesn't mean that it shouldn't be asked. It's better to know.A warm beer is better than a cold beer. Because nothing is better than a cold beer, and a warm beer is better than nothing.

Ok; makes sense. I guess you can take a fish to water but can't them them drink ... that is, for fresh water fish ... .

Knowledge is fun(damental)

A 75 gal with eight Discus, fake plants, and a lot of wood also with sand substrate. Clean up crew is down to just two Sterba's Corys. Filters: continuous new water flow; canister w/UV, in-tank algae scrubber!! Finally, junked the nitrate removal unit from hell.

If you take your time to do the research FIRST, you can successfully set-up and keep ANY type of aquarium with ease."Not using a quarantine tank is like playing Russian roulette. Nobody wins the game, some people just get to play longer than others." - Anthony CalfoFishless CycleCycling with FishMarine Aquarium Info [URL="http://saltwater.aquaticcommunity.com/"]

Actually, a lot needs to be said since the vast majority of people do not do such large W/C.

Many do multiple small changes over a week or two and understanding the relationship of volume and dilution is a concept few seem to get and this leads to a lot of far dirtier aquariums that people end up doing far more work only to get less results.

However, Im told most would not read so I guess it is pointless to write.

Knowledge is fun(damental)

A 75 gal with eight Discus, fake plants, and a lot of wood also with sand substrate. Clean up crew is down to just two Sterba's Corys. Filters: continuous new water flow; canister w/UV, in-tank algae scrubber!! Finally, junked the nitrate removal unit from hell.

If people read the stickies what would we all talk about. There are many wrong ways to do things in this hobby and there are many right ways to do things in this hobby and what is right for you and works may not be right for me (algae scrubbers come to mind). One large weekly water change, several smaller weekly water changes, what ever, it all results in the same thing, a clean tank with healthy fish. If you don't want to continue to do the math for people just tell them to test nitrates every day for a while and when they get close to 20ppm it's time for a water change; quick, simple, easy to understand, and very minimal math needed on their part and no math on your part. Every tank is different and has different maintenance requirements. Telling people to use their test kits not only helps them to understand the basic needs of their tank it teaches them the routine they need to follow in order to keep their own unique tank's parameters pristine. There is no need to over complicate things.

Last edited by mommy1; 01-04-2013 at 09:52 PM.

When I go fishing I just place a sharp rock in the water and sit there waiting for all the dead fish to float to the top... KingfisherBrutal honesty will be shown on this screen.I think my fish is adjusting well to the four gallon, He's laying on his side attempting to go to sleep on the bottom of the gravel.Tolerance is a great thing to have, so is the ability to shut up.I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.